Applying evolutionary theory to individual differences : insights from moral psychology

Recent research on social rejection has emphasised the power of its effects. Some accounts argue that such rejection causes evolutionary-based pain signals in the brain that override individual differences and situational constraints. This chapter reviews emerging evidence and recent data suggesting that both individual differences and situational variables do moderate the impact of social rejection, and in some cases can even eradicate its effects. The factors explored are rejection sensitivity, social anxiety, degree of situational control, level of social scrutiny, self-construal style, and the severity of the rejection.